The Edo State Government has sealed nine companies, predominantly owned by Chinese nationals, over alleged unpaid tax liabilities amounting to ₦8.982 billion.

The affected companies operate in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The enforcement action was carried out by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), following the companies’ alleged failure to meet their statutory tax obligations.

According to the agency, the firms failed to register their employees for Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, submit annual employers’ tax returns and deduct and remit PAYE taxes as required by law.

The Head of Corporate Communications and Taxpayers Enlightenment Service of EIRS, Courage Eboigbe, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

He said the affected companies had individually received formal notices detailing their established tax liabilities before the enforcement exercise.

However, despite repeated reminders and demands for compliance, the firms allegedly failed to settle their outstanding obligations.

Eboigbe explained that the agency subsequently obtained valid court orders authorising the sealing of the companies’ operational premises.

Among the affected businesses is Rongtai Plastic Company Limited.

The other eight are Rongtai Hardware Limited, Rongtai Energy Technology Company Limited, Rongtai Building Materials Company Limited, Rongtai Food Company Limited, Five Star Wire and Cable Company, Xin Guo Technology Nigeria Limited, Changrong Wood Nigeria Limited and Shunda Nigeria Enterprise.

The EIRS said the enforcement orders would remain in force until the companies settle their outstanding tax liabilities.

It added that the sealed premises would only be reopened after the affected firms had fulfilled their outstanding tax obligations.